Which bench player do you think deserves more burn?

T-Spot · Post #1 » by **T-Spot** » Sat Feb 9, 2008 9:19 pm

I remarked on this in another thread, but I want to see what other think of Maceo. All I know of him is that he played with Parker in Europe and has some athleticism. He also looks like someone who would give a hard foul and he has some wing span. I've seen him a little and have been impressed (as impressed as you can be with a fringe player, anyway).

Anyone know much of him? Is he capable of dethroning Rasho as the back up center?

Edit: Fixed title to make it more descriptive.

El Presidente · Post #2 » by **El Presidente** » Sat Feb 9, 2008 9:56 pm

Nice poll but this is really a game-by-game question, last night I thought that we should've at least attempted to put Graham on Maggette and see how he fairs guarding him. Against Detroit earlier in the year Hump got a DNPCD which was mind-blogging given the Detroit PF situation. Then there are times where Juan Dixon is coming off a pretty good game but doesn't see action in favor of DMart. As for Baston, I'm not sure what he can do because he's not even been given a chance to show what he can do. I'm not around the team so I don't really know but one has to figure that he's sucking balls in practice.

ponder276 · Post #3 » by **ponder276** » Sat Feb 9, 2008 9:58 pm

He's looked fine in very limited minutes - definitely a decent shot-blocker. Haven't seen enough of him to have a strong opinion, but next year if we move Rasho's expiring for a wing player, I could see him being the 2nd big off the bench (after hump).

edit: when I say 2nd big off the bench, I'm not counting Joey as a big, since he's more of a SF, and I'm assuming Garbo will never really be the same as he was pre-injury.

J Dilla · Post #4 » by **J Dilla** » Sat Feb 9, 2008 9:59 pm

I think all 4 should be getting some playing time. Juan, Hump, and Joey were played an important role last year in the 47 win season, it's not like all of a sudden they started to suck.

Juan- Zone breaker, good shooter
Hump- Rebounder
Joey- The Good joey is just amazing
Maceo- In the limited minutes he got, he did pretty well

These guys could help out. I mean the Smitch should go for some balance. With Fino, Kapono, Parker, Bargnani, the team just doesnt stop chucking jumpshots. Even Moon is getting into that habit of jacking up shots with no intention to attack the basket. And yes, I would love to see more of Maceo. He has the athleticism that the Raptors need.

Hump, Joey, and Juan should get some more playing time IMO.

AllKnowingNBAer · Post #5 » by **AllKnowingNBAer** » Sat Feb 9, 2008 10:11 pm

Maceo was signed so we can stay above the minimum roster count for next season, without having to sign someone to a multi-year deal (because we are looking to clear as much unneeded space for the summer 2009).

By then, we should know how good we can get with the current crop of players. After that evaluation, we make a move (either in free agency or by using the expirings we have). Since there is a season between this one and the summer of 2009, it would be wise to sign a competent NBA big man, who can play when needed to, yet, not pout and become a cancer if he doesn't, to a two-year deal (that, strategically, ends in 2009).

We didn't NEED Maceo Baston at all this season since Humphries proved to have some value and was extended. Maceo's minutes were gone as a result, but he can't complain since he got more than what he'd get anywhere else. If BC wanted to simply save a million bucks, he could've signed some D-Leaguer to fill the spot, but that player would likely not be good enough to play (in case Humphries didn't step up).

Since KHump has become the big off the bench that Maceo didn't, Maceo still has value to this team because he is definitely worth a roster spot for next season. Also, any other competent NBA player, would likely not sign a one-year deal (which is what BC would want to do, since he wants to have as many expiring contracts as possible for 2009).

acie_earl_rules · Post #6 » by **acie_earl_rules** » Sat Feb 9, 2008 10:46 pm

Never thought Maceo got a fair shot. If everyone was doing their job on the boards, I could see why he NEVER gets playing time.

But when the team clearly needs a burst of energy, why not give him a chance? Our guys often play defense and rebound like it's a chore, without any urgency.

Give a guy who's been gettin zero playing time, but who's known for being an energy guy, a real chance (15 minutes), and I guarantee he'll give you a spark.

joeyt618 · Post #7 » by **joeyt618** » Sat Feb 9, 2008 11:16 pm

I really think Joey should get a shot at being the GOOD Joey. This year alone, he's shown some flashes that he can be the slashing forward we're looking for in his limited time on the floor. We're consistently talking about acquiring a Maggette on this team, but Joey can very well provide that - perhaps not to Maggette's extent.

I agree Graham is highly inconsistent, but I think the whole "good joey" and "bad joey" is overly regarded. Honestly, who on the Raptors squad hasn't shown inconsistencies? Bargs, Delfino, Kapono... they've all had awesome games, and horrible nights. Why can't Joey just be Joey and have Sam let him play to his capabilities?

Last night was a perfect opportunity where I think Graham could have contributed. AP struggled tremendously shooting 2 of 8 and still played a whopping 38 minutes. I think Graham would also match up a little better against Maggette as well.

J Dilla · Post #8 » by **J Dilla** » Sat Feb 9, 2008 11:51 pm

joeyt618 wrote:I really think Joey should get a shot at being the GOOD Joey. This year alone, he's shown some flashes that he can be the slashing forward we're looking for in his limited time on the floor. We're consistently talking about acquiring a Maggette on this team, but Joey can very well provide that - perhaps not to Maggette's extent.

I agree Graham is highly inconsistent, but I think the whole "good joey" and "bad joey" is overly regarded. Honestly, who on the Raptors squad hasn't shown inconsistencies? Bargs, Delfino, Kapono... they've all had awesome games, and horrible nights. Why can't Joey just be Joey and have Sam let him play to his capabilities?

Last night was a perfect opportunity where I think Graham could have contributed. AP struggled tremendously shooting 2 of 8 and still played a whopping 38 minutes. I think Graham would also match up a little better against Maggette as well.

Yea Joey has never got a fair chance. He played last year because of injuries to Bargnani and Garbo, and he excelled. Other than Parker, everyone at the wing is streaky. Joey deserves a chance, but there are double standards on the team. One can make mistakes and one can't. Whenever Joey makes a mistake, everyone notices it and they start calling for his head. How will he develop like that? Confidence will come with playing time, and his success will come with playing time.

Hendrix · Post #9 » by **Hendrix** » Sun Feb 10, 2008 12:20 am

Personally I'de rather keep the rotation tighter. I don't think Juan, or Joey gives us much of anything that we don't get from anybody else. Humphries deserves burn, but I think he gets enough. Just use him when we need that rebounding. Kapono's probably the only guy that I think really should be getting more burn.

jrizzel · Post #10 » by **jrizzel** » Sun Feb 10, 2008 12:25 am

B-A-S-T-O-N

Kabookalu · Post #11 » by **Kabookalu** » Sun Feb 10, 2008 1:55 am

I think Baston is better than Humps in the limited time I've seen him play, but Humps (might) be a part of our future and isn't Baston like 30 already? Well if Rasho is moved I would like to see Baston play a lot more. Humps has a long way to go but has a lot of potential. While I hate his offensive approach to the game (black hole) he's a pretty decent offensive player with an average jumpshot.

Egg Nog · Post #12 » by **Egg Nog** » Sun Feb 10, 2008 2:15 am

Rasho.